Partners in Giving still hopes to reach $3 million goal

The 2007 Partners in Giving campaign2007 Partners in Giving campaign has received a record $2,901,916 in contributions from state, UW–Madison and UW Hospital and Clinics employees as of Jan. 14. The campaign is still hoping to reach its $3 million goal.

In 2006, contributions totaled $2.8 million.

“We’re very pleased with the overall success of the campaign again this year,” said Dean of the College of Letters and Science Gary Sandefur, chair of the University Campaign Committee.

“University employees have again demonstrated their commitment to improving lives in this community and around the world. Congratulations to all who have been involved as leaders of the campaign and thanks to all of the employees who have contributed to it,” said Sandefur.

Twenty percent of university employees — 3,598 — have contributed $1,328,240 so far. At UW Hospital and Clinics, 752 employees — about 12 percent — gave $202,873.

On the state agency side, 4,899 employees — 35 percent of that workforce — contributed approximately $1.4 million.

For nearly a decade, Partners in Giving and many other public and private sector charity fundraising campaigns have experienced a steady decline in the number of contributors, yet they have made slight gains in the total dollars raised. Fewer people have given more dollars.

For 2007, Partners in Giving currently has 380 fewer contributors than in 2006, although contributions increased by $46,253.

The trend may be attributed in part to an increasing number of retirements by employees who have been regular contributors throughout their careers. There also have been several major disasters, such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, and other disaster relief efforts to which Americans have contributed apart from their workplace campaigns.

In the future, Partners in Giving will be looking for ways to encourage a new generation of employees to participate in the campaign.

All contributions turned in before Thursday, Jan. 31, will be included in the departmental, school and college totals used to determine campaign fundraising awards. Late contributions are always welcome.

The annual Partners in Giving Appreciation Day will be celebrated at the Badger women’s basketball game at the Kohl Center on Sunday, March 2.